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Driver jumps from lorry seconds before crash on A13 in Rainham
The damaged lorries - Credit: Archant
A driver has avoided serious injury by jumping out of the window of his lorry seconds before it was crushed by another HGV.
The driver of the other lorry, in his 50s, is being treated for multiple injuries in hospital following the smash on the A13 at about 9am this morning.
The road has been closed for the rest of the day while emergency resurfacing work takes place on 80 metres of road.
Debris can be seen scattered across the A13 - Credit: Archant
The stationary VolkerHighways lorry was believed to be preparing to close the inside lane for drain cleaning and was parked near Ferry Lane, Rainham, when the scrap metal lorry ploughed into it.
The quick-thinking driver, realising his vehicle was about to be hit, dived out of the window of his cab into the road before debris scattered across three lanes on impact.
Emergency services at the scene - Credit: Archant
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He was treated for shock but miraculously escaped further injury.
Fire and ambulance crews attended the scene of the crash, which closed the road eastbound between Ferry Lane and New Road, Rainham.
Crews inspect the damage - Credit: Archant
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A third lorry, thought to be a £1million Hydro Cleansing Ltd vehicle, was also damaged.
The fire brigade’s Havering borough commander Chris Drew said: “The driver of the stationary lorry has narrowly escaped injury by jumping out of his cab.
Crews at the scene - Credit: Archant
“Scrap metal, debris and diesel has split across the roadway. Fire crews have use sand bags to stop the diesel going into the nearby drains.
“This is going to be a protracted incident and we’d ask people to avoid the area if possible. Firefighters are working with police officers to get the road open as quickly as possible.”
TfL Traffic News posted on Twitter urging drivers to take alternative routes.
